Jay-Z Producer Happy For Kanye To Steal His Fame

Influential American hip hop producer Just Blaze is more than happy to let Kanye West have all his credit, particularly if it means he's out of the paparazzi glare.

Blaze – real name Justin Smith – is credited with revitalising Jay-Z's career with his work on the megastar's The Blueprint record alongside West, but you'll rarely hear him mentioned in the same sentence.

Speaking to theMusic.com.au recently Smith said that he's got no qualms with West taking the limelight.

“I couldn't live my life like that,” he said. ”Don't get me wrong – I walk down the street, I still get recognised and I have to take pictures and things like that. But it's more so from a level of appreciation from fans, as opposed to paparazzi-types looking for their next scoop.”

He added, “I can still walk down the street and go grocery-shopping. I might have to take a picture along the way or say 'hi' to somebody or shake a couple of hands, but I'm not being scrutinised like that. To me, that's perfect because I don't think I'd be able to deal with paparazzi stalkers or just constantly being in the headlines!”

In Australia for the Listen Out festival, Smith admitted there's no chance for a live show anytime soon.